The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international organization founded 175 years ago in Paris, France. The Phoenix Diocesan Council has been assisting Arizona families since 1946. The operations in Phoenix, Arizona, extends throughout central and northern Arizona and involves five charity dining rooms, a medical and dental clinic, a food reclamation center, a homeless outreach ministry providing counseling, job assistance and training, showers & haircuts, transient aid assistance, twelve thrift stores, rental and utility assistance and college tuition assistance. Services are provided by the more than 7,000 volunteers who assist St. Vincent de Paul in its efforts to serve those in need.